Category Manager - IT

Category Manager – IT

Location: London

Contract: Permanent, 12 months Fixed term

Closing date: Friday 3rd July 2026

• Bonus: 5% annual incentive
• Pension:
  Up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer contribution

The ‘Category Manager – IT’ is responsible for identifying and delivering against agreed procurement strategies, predominantly within the IT spend category. Solid experience and proficiency in developing categories, data analysis, tendering, negotiations, contract management and stakeholder engagement to a senior level within an organisation, whilst also providing guidance and direction to those Procurement colleagues working within the Category.

The Category Manager is an important role within the SZC Supply Chain Group with accountability to the Head of Procurement Practice & Indirects for the successful delivery of commercially robust contracts for SZC. As such the Category Manager is empowered to make decisions around the Principal Accountability areas, under the overall guidance of the Head of Procurement Practice & Indirects and in accordance with delegated levels of authority.

The Category Manager will be the primary point of commercial contact on the category(s) assigned to them and will be required to work closely and pro-actively with the other stakeholders at all levels and across all the teams within SZC to ensure that the requirements of the departments are met through the successful delivery of best value commercially robust contracts.

• The day to day management and support of Assistant Category Manager(s) and Category Assistant(s) within their Category, enabling growth within their roles.
• Developing, implementing and delivering against long term category strategies which have been agreed with the business whilst ensuring delivery against SZC values and strategy.
• Developing and leading on complex tender activities, from inception through to contract execution and implementation, through full end to end tender processes.
• Consistently delivering against key Procurement metrics, such as cost savings, SLAs and reporting requirements as required.
• Being a trusted advisor to the business, ensuring compliance with SZC governance, regulation and best practice Procurement at all times.
• Responsible for the delivery of contracts in accordance with SZC governance requirements to meet SZC Project and business objectives.
• Professional development of self and people within the team.
• ITT preparation, evaluation and negotiation, ensuring that selected tenders are compliant with the scope and commercial requirements, ensuring SZCs governance and compliance requirements are met throughout.
• Competing within frameworks and negotiating and contracting the placement of Statements of Works/Work Orders.
• Cross functional collaboration.
• Stakeholder engagement and management at all levels within the organisation.
• Managing Supplier / Contractor commercial relationships and engagement.
• Implementing progress and dashboard reporting, preparation of contract specific progress reports and reporting.
• Maintaining procurement and contract commercial files and records.
• Interfacing with Legal team on conditions of contract issues and non-disclosure agreements.
• Ensuring all internal governance approval is in place to enable timely Contract Execution.
• Maximising operational and financial performance whilst minimising commercial risk for all engagements within the scope of the Category.
• Supporting other Category Managers and the wider Procurement team as required.

• MCIPS accredited or educated to relevant degree level is preferable.
• Effective commercial / contract management skills are essential, with clear knowledge of best practice contract methodologies.
• Able to demonstrate a noteworthy track record of administering successful contracts.
• Excellent commercial skills and ability to make sound decisions on both matters of financial value and service quality.
• Understanding of contract performance measurement, risk management and change.
• Excellent negotiating, influencing and communication skills to command professional respect at all levels.
• Proven experience in developing and leading IT…